Conenose bugs, also called kissing bugs, are vectors of Chaga's disease although cases are few and rarely reported in the United States. The disease is more common in southern Mexico, Central American and South American countries.

A group of researchers is looking for Chagas disease, also known as "kissing bug" disease, to be ranked as an endemic in the United States.

In a recently published study, researchers from the University of Florida, Texas A&M University, the University of California and the Texas Department of State Health Services argue that Chagas disease, a parasitic condition transmitted by the bloodsucking "kissing bug," has a high enough presence in the United States to be considered endemic, a regularly occurring disease.

Since 2013, Texas A&M University's Kissing Bug Community Science program has received reports of about 10,000 "kissing bugs" in 31 states. About 50% of a tested subset of these bugs was found positive for the Chagas parasite, Sarah Hamer, a Texas A&M Veterinary Integrative Biosciences professor, told USA TODAY.

Of the 31 states where the bugs have been found over the past decade, humans were reported to have locally contracted Chagas disease in eight states, Hamer added. That means humans contracted the disease domestically rather than through international travel.

There is no federal data on the number of Chagas cases in the United States because the disease is not a nationally notifiable disease in which health care providers must report cases to local and state health departments.

Chagas disease symptoms include swollen eyelids, fever, diarrhea and loss of appetite. In more serious cases, infected people may experience digestive problems such as like an enlarged esophagus or colon, an enlarged heart or even sudden death, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Here's what to know about Chagas disease, including its symptoms, who should get tested and more about the transmitting "kissing bugs."

What is Chagas disease?

Chagas disease, or informally known as "kissing bug" disease, is a condition caused by the parasite Trypanosoma cruzi, according to the CDC. The parasite can be carried by triatomine bugs, also known as "kissing bugs." If a triatomine bites and sucks the blood of an infected host, the bug then becomes a carrier for the parasite. The triatomine then passes the parasite through its droppings. If the droppings come into contact with a cut in the skin, eyes or mouth, it can lead to infection, the CDC said.

What are the symptoms of Chagas, or 'kissing bug' disease?

Chagas disease has two stages. The first stage, the acute phase, happens shortly after the infection, and the second stage, the chronic phase, occurs over a longer period of time.

The acute phase usually occurs within the first few weeks or months of infection. The CDC outlines these common symptoms:

  • Fever
  • Feeling tired
  • Body aches
  • Headache
  • Rash
  • Loss of appetite
  • Diarrhea
  • Vomiting

Another common symptom of Chagas disease during the acute phase is Romaña's sign, when an eyelid swells, according to the CDC. It occurs when the parasite gets into the eyelid, usually when an infected host rubs the triatomine's fecal matter into their eye by accident.

The chronic phase of the disease may last many years or even a lifetime, the CDC says. These more serious symptoms include:

  • Heart problems, such as an enlarged heart, heart failure, altered heart rate or rhythm, or sudden death.
  • Digestive problems, such as an enlarged esophagus or colon, can lead to trouble eating or going to the bathroom.

According to the CDC, about 20% to 30% of people infected with Chagas disease experience serious symptoms.

Where has Chagas disease been identified in the U.S.?

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Who should get tested for Chagas disease?

People who have traveled to rural Mexico, Central America or South America should consider testing for Chagas disease because Trypanosoma cruzi is mainly found in those regions, according to the CDC. Additionally, if a family member has been diagnosed with Chagas disease, you should get tested.

Using a small sample of bloodwork, lab tests can determine presence of the Chagas parasite.

Chagas disease is treated by antiparasitic treatment, which kills the parasite that causes the disease, and symptomatic treatment, which helps manage symptoms, according to the CDC.

What are kissing bugs?

Triatomines, or "kissing bugs," are nocturnal bugs that feed on blood, according to Texas A&M University's Kissing Bug Community Science program. The bugs can feed on people, domestic animals and wildlife. They feed multiple times over their lives and take several minutes to take in a full meal, the program's website states. Unlike ticks, kissing bugs do not attach to a host.

They are native to North America, Central America and South America. Eleven types of kissing bugs can be found in the United States.

Adult kissing bugs grow to be about half an inch to an inch long. They hatch small eggs and can live up to two years, according to the program's website.

Contributing: Carlie Procell

Greta Cross is a national trending reporter at USA TODAY. Story idea? Email her at gcross@usatoday.com.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: 'Kissing bug' disease is endemic in US, researchers say. What to know about condition

Reporting by Greta Cross, USA TODAY / USA TODAY

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